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What Is the Solar Industry’s Outlook for 2025?

If you’re considering solar power in 2025, get ready for a wild ride. The industry is booming, with growth projections that would make any energy enthusiast giddy. But like any sunny day in Florida, there are a few potential storms brewing on the horizon. So, let’s take a closer look at what the solar landscape might look like in 2025.

The Sunshine State of Solar: Growth and Potential

Hold onto your hats, folks, because solar is soaring! The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts a whopping 79 gigawatts of new solar capacity will come online over the next two years, making solar the leading source of new electricity generation. That’s enough power to juice up millions of homes and businesses across the country.

The EIA is even forecasting that solar could surpass hydropower as the largest source of zero-emissions electricity in the U.S. in 2024. That’s a major milestone and a testament to the growing popularity and viability of solar energy.

Clouds on the Horizon: Challenges and Headwinds

While the future looks bright for solar, there are several challenges to the industry’s momentum:

  • Supply Chain Woes:A limited domestic manufacturing base and potential trade barriers could lead to a shortage of affordable solar equipment. This could drive up prices and slow down installations.
  • Interconnection Issues:Connecting solar systems to the grid can be a lengthy and complex process. The industry is pushing for reforms to streamline interconnection and make it easier for homeowners and businesses to go solar.
  • Net Metering Changes:Some states are re-evaluating net metering policies, which could reduce the financial incentives for homeowners to install solar.

Making the Most of Solar: Your Guide to a Brighter Future

Despite the challenges, the overall outlook for the solar industry in 2025 remains positive. The demand for clean energy is stronger than ever, and technological advancements continue to make solar more accessible and affordable.

But here’s the key: choosing the right solar partner is crucial for navigating this ever-changing landscape. That’s where Solar Bear of Tampa comes in. We’re your local solar experts, committed to helping you harness the power of the sun and make a smart investment in your future.

Don’t Wait to Make the Switch!

There’s never been a better time to switch to solar—reach out to Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 471-7442. We’ll answer all your questions, guide you through the process, and help you design a custom solar solution that meets your needs and budget. Let’s start building your brighter future together!

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3 Reasons To Never Clean Your Solar With Dish Soap

You might know that to enhance your solar panel’s output they need to be kept in optimal condition, which means they should be as clean as possible. But, this doesn’t mean that you should grab the nearest bottle of dish soap to clean them! Yes, it’s true. Using kitchen dish soap to clean your solar array could do more harm than good.

Today, our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares why you should avoid cleaning with dish soap and instead call on a professional to clean your solar system. Let’s get to it!

Why You Should Never Use Dish Soap to Clean Solar Panels

So, here’s the thing. We get that many homeowners are avid DIYers, but we want to warn them that this could cause issues with their solar panel’s efficiency and output.

Consider these reasons why:

#1. Reduced Efficiency & Damage

Using dish soap to give your solar panels a quick clean might seem convenient, but the truth is that it can cause damage to your solar array. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and grime on household dishes, but the harsh chemicals can strip away the protective coatings on the solar panels, damaging them in the process.

Also, sometimes there is residue left behind from dish soap which can create a film on solar panels, reducing their overall efficiency.

#2. Scratches

Scrubbing with abrasive pads or sponges with dish soap can potentially scratch the glass surface of the solar panels, causing permanent damage and, thus less efficiency.

While we understand that the intention is to remove dirt and grime from the panel surfaces, scrubbing too vigorously can scratch the glass surface of the panels. While it might seem that minor scratches are no big deal, they can lead to permanent damage and less than optimal energy output.

#3. Voided Warranties

Another very important reason to avoid using dish soap to clean solar panels is the simple fact that it can void the warranty that you have on your system. Many solar manufacturers outline in their warranties that they only allow certain cleaning products to maintain the overall integrity of the panels.

If homeowners disregard these guidelines and use DIY solutions or dish soap for cleaning, they could risk the coverage that they have for repairs or replacement under the warranty.

Read More > Why Have Your Solar Panels Professionally Installed

Expert Solar Installations

We are honored to be the #1 solar installation company in Central Florida and are excited to help homeowners across the Sunshine State install solar systems at their residential and commercial properties. We want everyone to remember, that cleaning your solar panels with dish soap will not result in a thorough clean. Without proper equipment, you may end up with damage or spots that impede sun absorption.

We always recommend investing in professional solar panel cleaning services to optimize the system’s performance for years to come. Ready to get started with your own solar array? Contact our team at Solar Bear Orlando for a quote today at (727) 471-7442!

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Why 2025 Homeowners Should Install Solar on Their New Build

Planning to build a new home in 2025? Congratulations! It’s an exciting time, full of possibilities for creating a space that’s uniquely yours. But here’s a question you might not have considered: Why not make your new home a statement in sustainability? Installing solar panels during construction is a smart investment that can pay off big time in the long run. Here’s why you should install solar on your new build home in 2025.

Why Build with Solar? The Perks Are Plenty!

While adding solar to an existing home is always an option, building with solar right from the start offers some serious advantages:

  • Seamless Integration:When you integrate solar into your new home’s design, the panels become a natural part of your roofline. No clunky additions or compromises later—just a clean, streamlined look that complements your home’s architecture.
  • Optimize for Maximum Sunshine:Builders often position new homes to maximize curb appeal, but that doesn’t always mean optimal sun exposure for solar panels. By planning ahead, you can work with your architect and builder to ensure your home is positioned for maximum solar energy harvest.
  • Choose Your Solar Adventure:New construction opens a whole world of possibilities for solar. You can opt for traditional roof-mounted panels, sleek integrated solar tiles, or even go all-in with a solar roof that generates electricity for your entire home.
  • Energy Efficiency Built-In:Building with solar is the perfect opportunity to incorporate other energy-efficient features into your home, like an electric water heater or a solar battery system. This can further reduce your reliance on the grid and slash your energy bills.

More Than Just Savings: Building a Greener Tomorrow – And Getting Rewarded for It!

If you’re building a new home in 2025, now is the perfect time to go solar. With advancements in technology, solar panels are more efficient and affordable than ever. The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is available through 2032, allowing you to deduct a percentage of the cost of your solar system from your federal taxes.

Ready to Make Your New Home a Solar Superstar?

Let the experts at Solar Bear of Tampa guide you through the exciting world of solar energy for new construction. We’ll work with you and your builder to create a custom solar plan that maximizes your energy production, minimizes your impact on the environment, and helps you take advantage of available incentives.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build a brighter, greener future for your home and family. Contact Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 471-7442 to learn more about your solar options and start building a home that truly shines!

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Angled Solar Panels: Why Tilt Matters

Understanding the optimal positioning of solar panels is key to maximizing their efficiency and output. Tilting solar panels slightly, which may seem like a minor detail, is one way to do so.

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains why the angle of a solar panel is important and how you can use this tilt to your advantage to make the most of your solar panel system.

Why Solar Panel Tilt Matters

By adjusting the angle of your solar panels to match your geographical location’s latitude, you can ensure that they capture more sunlight throughout the day, especially during peak daylight hours.

Plus, panel tilt impacts seasonal variations in sunlight. By adjusting the tilt of the panels seasonally, homeowners can maximize their system’s production all year round, especially when the sun’s trajectory varies in the fall and winter months.

Roof Tilt

It is important to consider the tilt of your roof before installing a solar system. If your roof has a steep tilt, you likely won’t be able to get optimal energy production with a traditional racking system. In this case, it may be better to install panels flat against your roof.

If your roof has a low angle, we may need to install specialized racking if you want to ensure that they are tilted at the right angle. We don’t recommend mounting solar panels flat against a low-angled roof, as they will often produce less electricity.

Read More > How Much Roof Space Do I Realistically Need for Solar?

What is the Optimal Solar Panel Tilt?

When determining the angle of panel tilt for your solar system, it is important to consider the geographical location of your installation. In general, for systems closer to the equator, a tilt angle that is equal to the latitude is likely sufficient. For those living farther from the equator, changing the angle based on seasonal changes in solar altitude can enhance the energy production of the system.

Generally, we like to recommend a 45-degree angle in the spring, and a 20-degree angle when the sun is high in the sky during the summer months.

Some solar pros suggest that a fixed tilt angle that is slightly steeper than the latitude can result in higher annual energy production by capturing more sunlight when the sun angles are lower in the winter months. In areas where it is often cloudy, a shallow tilt angle can help maximize energy output in these less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Angles Vs. Orientation

Many factors play into the efficiency of a solar panel system, including the tilt or angle of the solar system, as well as the orientation of the panels. Improper panel orientation will mean that your solar system won’t get enough sun exposure, thus reducing the system’s electricity output.

Believe it or not, the wrong angle or tilt on the correct panel orientation will produce more energy than the correct angle or tilt on the wrong panel orientation.

Ready to Go Solar?

Ready to install a solar system at your Central Florida home or business? We’re excited to help! Before we begin the installation, we will calculate the optimal tilt and orientation for your solar panels based on your home’s location and any shading from trees in the area.

We are here to ensure that your solar panel installation is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Contact Solar Bear Orlando for a no-hassle quote today at (727) 471-7442!